MUSCAT APRIL 25
The opening matches of the Athletes Preparation Centres Basketball League for the 2025–26 season produced three wins as Nizwa Club, Al Amerat Club and Sohar Sports Complex made strong starts at the sub hall of Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex in Bausher.
In the headline opening clash, Nizwa Club edged Seeb Club 40-35 in a closely fought contest that remained alive until the closing stages. Nizwa built the foundation of their win in the first half, taking the opening quarter 12-5 through disciplined defending and quick transitions. They stretched their lead further in the second quarter, adding 20 points to 12, to move into the break with a commanding 32-17 advantage.
Seeb responded well after the interval and showed greater attacking intent in the third quarter, cutting the gap with 9 points against Nizwa’s 3 to reduce the deficit to 35-26. The pressure continued in the final quarter as Seeb added another 9 points, but Nizwa held firm and closed out a deserved five-point win.
Al Muthanna al Rashdi starred for Nizwa with 17 points, while Wael al Busaidy contributed 9 and Hamza al Sabari added 6. For Seeb, Abdulrahman al Kamashki scored 10 points and Al Fariq al Hassani added 6.
AL AMERATE DOMINATE AL BASHAYER
In the second match, Al Amerat Club delivered the day’s biggest win with an emphatic 63-16 victory over Al Bashayer Club. Al Amerat imposed themselves from the outset with high defensive pressure, fast breaks and efficient finishing. They dominated the first quarter 26-3 and maintained control in the second period, adding 10 points to 5 for a 36-8halftime lead.
The pattern continued after the break as Al Amerat outscored Al Bashayer 16-2 in the third quarter to extend the margin to 52-10. They completed the job in the final period with another 10 points against 6, wrapping up a comprehensive opening-round success.
SOHAR SPORTS COMPLEX WIN
The third match saw Sohar Sports Complex Centre defeat Salalah Club 43-33 in a competitive encounter that was settled in the final quarter. Sohar made the brighter start and took the opening quarter 16-11, before adding 12 points to 10 in the second to lead 25-21 at half-time.
The third quarter was evenly balanced, with both sides scoring 12 points, leaving Sohar ahead 37-32. Sohar then finished strongly in the last quarter, scoring 6 unanswered points while keeping Salalah scoreless to secure the win.
Abdulrahman al Ruwaishdi led Sohar with 12 points, while Faris al Maqbali and Mohammed al Shizawi added 6 points each. For Salalah, Fahad Bait Sanjoor was the standout performer with 22 points.
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